IKMC

IKMC provides comprehensive access to knockout mouse resources to systematically mutate and study all protein-coding genes in the mouse genome for gene function and human disease research.

Key Features:

• Systematic mutagenesis: Uses gene targeting and gene trapping in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to generate mutations in protein-coding genes.
• Resource records: Stores detailed information on knockout vectors, ES cells, and mice corresponding to specific genes.
• Central hub: Maintains a centralized database and web portal at www.knockoutmouse.org for consortium coordination and prioritization.
• Community integration: Integrates IKMC data with other community databases to facilitate data interconnections.
• BioMart integration: Employs the BioMart data management system to provide integrated access and to incorporate gene annotation, expression, phenotype, and disease-related data from external BioMarts.

Scientific Applications:

• Gene function analysis: Enables systematic loss-of-function studies across the mouse genome to elucidate gene roles.
• Genetic basis of human disease: Facilitates selection and use of knockout vectors, ES cells, and mice to study disease-relevant genes and phenotypes.

Methodology:

Data integration via the BioMart data management system to combine IKMC datasets with external BioMarts containing gene annotation, expression, phenotype, and disease-related data, together with database-driven coordination and prioritization.